Obama pitches Olympics, but still not going to Denmark

September 16, 2009

President Barack Obama hosts an event on the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday with the White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport, Chicago 2016 and United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to promote Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama made a rousing pitch Wednesday for Chicago to win the 2016 Summer Olympics and also gave his strongest indication yet that he will not join the city's delegation to Copenhagen next month for the decision.

"I would make the case in Copenhagen personally, if I weren't so firmly committed to making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for every American," he said. "But the good news is I'm sending a more compelling superstar to represent the city and country we love, and that is our First Lady, Michelle.

At an event Wednesday on the South Lawn of the White House, the Obamas were joined by Mayor Richard Daley, members of the Chicago 2016 committee and a host of Olympians.

"Americans, like Chicagoans -- we don't like to make small plans," Obama said. "We want to dream big and reach high. We hope deeply. We want these Games. And if you choose Chicago, I promise you this: Chicago will make America proud, and America will make the world proud."

When the International Olympic Committee votes Oct. 2, one of four finalist cities will get the Games: Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro.

Mrs. Obama declared: "Barack and I would feel such tremendous pride to see the Olympic torch burning brightly in the city that we love so much."

With the South Lawn studded with Olympians -- and middle-school children their spectators -- president took off his suit jacket before a judo demonstration, leaving spectators to wonder if he would take to the mat. "I'm not getting out there," he insisted. "Michelle can go if she wants." But, dressed as she was in a colorful print skirt, she demurred.

The president marveled when Olympic fencer Tim Morehouse, 31, of New York City, showed him the silver medal he captured in Beijing in 2008 for team fencing. Morehouse, in an interview, said he is training for the London games in 2012, and might try to stay in his sport past the usual retirement age, should Chicago land the bid.

The first lady, earlier, had said publicly that the president had tried his hand at fencing--apparently within the White House--but pronounced his effort "pathetic."

Obama asked Morehouse where he keeps the medal. "In a sock drawer, right now," the athlete replied, to laughter.